The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset: A Dream Streaming Headset

Published on May 16, 2023, 9 p.m.

For both aspiring and experienced streamers, finding the right headset can be a challenge. You want excellent audio quality for both listening and broadcasting, smart functional design, and great overall value. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset checks all those boxes and more, making it a dream pickup for streamers and content creators.
 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Overview

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset combines Audio-Technica’s renowned M50x studio headphones with the clarity of their professional 20 series microphones. The result is a versatile wired USB headset purpose-built for today’s creators.

Key Features:

  • Closed-back over-ear design provides isolation
  • 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver exceptional clarity
  • Flip-up mic mute for convenient silencing
  • Studio-quality cardioid mic captures vocals cleanly
  • Hardwired USB-A connection for plug-and-play use
  • Sampling rate up to 24-bit/96 kHz

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Design

Visually, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset features a sleek, closed-back over-ear design. The color scheme is simple yet elegant, with black earcups and headband keeping the focus on the Audio-Technica logo.

The flexible boom arm allows for easy positioning of the microphone near your mouth. This helps reduce background noise for clearer voice capture. A simple flip-up mute function also allows for quick and silent mic muting.

Audio Performance

With 45mm drivers utilizing rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire coils, audio reproduction on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is exceptional. There’s great extension at both ends, with deep yet accurate bass and crisp, detailed treble. The soundstage feels wide and spacious.

The cardioid condenser microphone based on the 20 series delivers rich and nuanced vocal pickup. Your voice comes through with studio-quality clarity and intelligibility.

Features and Connectivity

The hardwired USB-A connection offers plug-and-play functionality. An included USB-A to USB-C adapter expands compatibility to modern devices. Sidetone circuitry lets you hear your own voice in the headset, improving mic monitoring.

With a sampling rate of up to 24-bit/96 kHz, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset can handle high-res playback. This makes it equally adept at music listening as gaming and streaming.

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Usability

Simple and intuitive controls make the ATH-M50xSTS-USB easy to operate. The flexible microphone boom adjusts for ideal positioning. The flip-to-mute function allows quick mic muting by raising the boom arm. Replacing earpads takes seconds with the snap-on/snap-off design.

Build Quality

From the sturdy headband to the rugged earcups, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is built to last. High-quality materials like the aluminum alloy hinges and steel internal headband frame ensure longevity. The earpads can be easily replaced over time.

Noise Isolation

The closed-back over-ear design, along with the around-ear memory foam earpads, passively blocks external noise. This allows you to focus on the clear audio reproduction. Noise isolation performance is further enhanced when music or other audio is playing.

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Battery Life

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset does not require batteries, operating solely via the wired USB connection to your computer or mobile device. This eliminates the need to ever recharge batteries.

Water Resistance

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset and microphone are not designed to be water or sweat resistant. Care should be taken to avoid exposing the headset to moisture.

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Use Cases:

The ATH-M50xSTS-USB shines in a variety of usage scenarios:

  • Live streaming - With excellent audio and vocal reproduction, this headset lets your audience hear you loud and clear.

  • Podcasting - Capture your vocals with precision and warmth for professional podcast production.

  • Music listening - Lossless audio reproduction lets you hear every detail in high-res tracks.

  • Gaming - Pinpoint in-game audio cues and coordinate with teammates using the clear mic.

Diving Deep into User Feedback

Reviewing customer experiences reveals enlightening insights into the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset’s stellar strengths along with a few areas for improvement.

For audio quality, users extol the virtues of the meticulously tuned 45mm drivers that deliver indulgently rich low frequencies, scintillatingly detailed mid-range, and shimmeringly airy highs. The lavish soundstage immerses you in your content, while passive noise isolation cocoons you in your own private listening sanctuary. As one user rapturously described it, “The sound quality is simply divine!”

When it comes to the microphone, listeners are thrilled by the crystalline clarity and capture. Vocals come through with breathtaking presence and intimacy, as if the speaker were right beside you. The vocal reproduction is so pristine that some remarked they could hear the speaker’s mouth sounds clearly. If you seek mic quality that makes your audience feel you’re having a personal conversation with each of them, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset delivers.

Users affirm the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is thoughtfully designed for long-wearing comfort. The plush memory foam earpads embrace your ears like a gentle cloud. The padded headband caresses the top of your head securely yet gently. However, a few mentioned that after multi-hour use, the snug fit creates mild fatigue around the ears.

In terms of usability, buyers found the plug-and-play USB connectivity blissfully simple with no drivers required. The flexible microphone boom enables optimal positioning with ease. Though most appreciated the convenient flip-to-mute function, some were dismayed by the lack of a volume control knob for quick audio adjustments.

Overall, enthusiastic users deem the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset a supremely versatile headset and tremendous value for streamers, content creators, gamers, and casual users alike. It empowers polished, professional-grade vocal and audio reproduction right from your home studio. For those seeking to take their content to the next level, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is a divine audio blessing.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:
- Superb audio reproduction and sound isolation
- Clear and nuanced microphone for voice
- Sleek design with flip-to-mute mic function
- Easy USB connectivity for most devices
- Great price-to-performance ratio

Cons:
- No built-in volume control
- Mic picks up unwanted ambient noise
- Non-removable cable

Value

Considering the premium audio and vocal reproduction, versatile use cases, and robust construction, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset delivers outstanding value. It outperforms similarly priced gaming headsets, offering studio-level performance for content creators.

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset

Conclusion

For those seeking one headset that can do it all, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset should be at the top of your list. With lush audio reproduction, fantastic mic clarity, and smart functional design, this headset is a streamer’s dream come true.

Specifications:

  • Drivers: 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
  • Frequency Response: Extended frequency range with deep, accurate bass response
  • Microphone: Cardioid condenser microphone, based on 20 series mics
  • Cable: 2m permanently attached with USB-A connector and USB-C adapter
  • Sampling Rate: Up to 24-bit/96 kHz
  • Earpads: Includes two sets - M50x style and mesh/leatherette style

Box Contains:

  • ATH-M50xSTS-USB headset
  • Detachable boom mic
  • USB-A to USB-C adapter
  • Two sets of earpads
  • Carry pouch